Chapter 23: Just You and Me ( 23 )

Chapter 23 - Just You and Me ( 23 ) They arrived at the cinema building and parked in the underground lot. After stepping out, Haruki closed the passenger door and walked around to meet Kyouko. As they started walking side by side, Kyouko gently wrapped her hand around Haruki's arm. Haruki blinked in surprise at first but relaxed when he saw how excited she looked—her eyes bright with a childlike spark, despite the crowd. "Wow, Haruki... there are a lot of people here today," Kyouko said softly. "Yeah," Haruki nodded, glancing around. Then he noticed it—Kyouko's steps slowed a little, her grip on his arm tightening. She looked around uneasily. "You okay?" he asked, tilting his head slightly toward her. "Hmm? Ah, it's just... I feel a little awkward with this many people around," she admitted, keeping her voice low. Without thinking much, Kyouko shifted her arm and gently wrapped it around Haruki's waist. Haruki was caught off guard for a moment but then smiled, draping his arm over her shoulders and pulling her a little closer as they walked. He felt her body relax slightly beside him. "There," he said quietly. "Better?" Kyouko nodded, smiling up at him. "Yeah... much better." After buying a large popcorn and two drinks, Haruki and Kyouko made their way through the theater entrance, tickets in hand. They walked side by side, the lights dimming as the previews started playing on the screen. "Over here," Haruki whispered, spotting their seats near the back—plush, spacious VIP seats made for two, designed for couples. Haruki sat first, placing the popcorn between them and setting the drinks in the holders. Kyouko sat beside him, casually leaning back and crossing one leg over the other. She looked perfectly relaxed next to him, her shoulder almost brushing against his. "Wow... these seats are nice," she whispered, glancing around. "Yeah," Haruki replied, his voice low. "Didn't expect VIP to actually feel this... cozy." Kyouko smiled softly, resting her hands on her lap. "It's been so long since I last came to the movies. I forgot how exciting it can be." Haruki handed her a drink and offered the popcorn. She took a few pieces and nodded her thanks, her fingers brushing against his lightly—neither of them pulled away. They settled in quietly as the lights dimmed further and the movie was about to begin. The room faded into darkness. As the opening credits rolled and the theater grew silent, Kyouko unknowingly leaned slightly onto Haruki's shoulder. It was subtle at first—her arm brushing against his, her warmth seeping into him. Haruki noticed but didn't say anything. He stayed still, pretending to focus on the screen, though his attention was divided between the eerie film and the soft weight beside him. Then the first real scare hit. A sudden scream. A ghost flashed across the screen. A loud, sharp sound effect. Kyouko flinched. Without thinking, she moved closer—pressing against Haruki's arm, her hand instinctively reaching for his and resting lightly on his forearm. "S-sorry," she whispered, slightly embarrassed but not pulling away. Haruki gave a small smile. "It's okay." He didn't move either. He liked this—the way she clung to him just a little, the way her breath caught during another jump scare. He stopped watching the movie and began focusing on her reactions: the way her lips parted in surprise, how she unconsciously leaned her head closer to his shoulder whenever the music built tension. For Kyouko, it felt oddly safe. She wasn't aware of how comfortable she had become next to him—how natural it felt to hold onto his arm like this. By the time the movie reached its halfway point, she found herself quietly enjoying the closeness. The film played on, flickering light casting across Kyouko's face. She hadn't noticed how naturally she leaned on Haruki's shoulder, her head resting there like it belonged. Then came another jump scare, and she gasped softly, pressing tighter against him. Haruki smiled. Not at the movie, but at her. Slowly, his hand slid toward her waist—natural and confident. His fingers found the curve of her body, warm and soft beneath the fabric of her dress. Kyouko didn't move away; if anything, she inched a little closer. He could feel her heat now, the swell of her breast brushing lightly against his arm with every breath, her perfume mingling with the warmth of her skin. Tilting her head, she looked at him for a moment. Her eyes met his—calm and unreadable—but she didn't pull back. Instead, she gave him a quiet, knowing smile. Haruki's fingers rested on her waist, gently caressing her side. He could see the curve of her cleavage when she shifted, the way her dress fit snugly against her figure, highlighting every line. Kyouko wasn't trying to show off or seduce him. But she also wasn't hiding from him. She leaned into him, resting fully against his side as if she trusted him, as if she wanted this closeness, as if she wanted him. Neither of them said anything. They simply sat in the dark, her warmth against him, his hand resting where it had no business being—yet she clearly didn't mind. Not a word passed between them. But something had changed. After the movie ended and the lights slowly came back on, Haruki leaned forward to pick up the empty popcorn tub and drink cups from their seats. "I'll take care of this," he said casually, standing up. Kyouko stayed seated for a moment, adjusting her dress, then followed him out of the VIP section. Haruki tossed the trash into the bin, and as they stepped into the hallway of the cinema, her hand found his arm again—just like earlier. It felt natural and comfortable. "That was fun," Kyouko said with a light smile, her voice relaxed. "Yeah," Haruki nodded, glancing at her as they walked slowly down the corridor. "Still can't believe the killer was her best friend all along. That twist got me." Kyouko laughed softly. "You totally jumped at that one scene." Haruki raised an eyebrow. "Me? No way. That was... a controlled reaction." She giggled, and without realizing it, her fingers slid down his arm until they were holding hands. Their fingers intertwined. Neither of them noticed right away. But neither of them pulled away, either. Haruki glanced down at their joined hands and then at her. Kyouko was smiling. Her face, bare of makeup except for a faint touch of lipstick, looked fresh and effortless. Her beauty didn't need enhancements—just her warmth, energy, and natural charm. Seeing her like that—relaxed, cheerful, with her hand in his—Haruki felt a strange sense of peace. He wasn't just captivated by how beautiful she looked; it was how comfortable she was with him now. How freely she laughed. How easily she leaned into him. "It's fun to hang out like this," Kyouko said, gently swinging their joined hands as they walked toward the car. "Wanna go somewhere else?" "Hmm? Let me think..." Haruki glanced up as if seriously considering it. "Well, the beach is a bit too far from town, so... maybe—" Suddenly, a loud growl came from his stomach. Kyouko blinked, then burst into laughter. Haruki scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed. "Guess we should eat first..." She smiled, still chuckling softly. "Yeah, that might be a better idea before you collapse on me." Haruki smiled back. "Any place you're craving?" "Hmm... somewhere cozy. Maybe not too loud." He nodded, his heart skipping slightly at how easily she said that last part. "Alright. Let's find a place." ( End Of Chapter )